Cost Financial Analyst

Serve as a core finance partner to Manufacturing and Operations by driving visibility into cost structures (materials, conversion, logistics), improving forecast accuracy, and enabling cost control and capital allocation decisions.

·       Partner with Manufacturing to analyze product cost structure (materials, labor, conversion, yield) and identify cost drivers impacting profitability

·       Own monthly manufacturing variance analysis (volume, yield, cost rate, mix), explaining deviations vs AOP and forecast

·        Support cost optimization initiatives including plant efficiency, yield improvement, and sourcing decisions

·       Lead the annual operating plan and forecasting for Operations, SG&A and capital highlighting key risks and opportunities, while driving potential mitigating actions

·       Develop driver-based models linking volume, yield, and cost assumptions to financial outcomes

·       Participate in the month-end close ensuring accuracy of results and understanding variance drivers

·       Lead monthly reviews with stakeholders to ensure accountability and alignment on cost targets

·       Supports the development of the annual capital plan, forecasts and analytical review of projects to ensure the adherence to internal financial benchmarks

·       Support capital planning and investment analysis of plants, including ROI, IRR, and payback for manufacturing and operations initiatives

·       Partner with operations to evaluate capacity expansion, automation, and cost reduction projects.

·       Conducts ad hoc analyses and projects to support business management decisions

·       Lead monthly G&A meetings with cost center owners to provide a clear understanding of results

Requirements

·       3+ years of experience in FP&A, operations finance, or manufacturing finance, or similar role

·       Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Finance, or related field is required

·       Strong understanding of cost drivers (materials, labor, overhead, logistics, etc)

·       Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel required -  SAP HANA and Power BI a plus

·       Prior work experience in industries such as Manufacturing or Food Manufacturing is preferred

·       Analytical, ability to multi-task, attention to detail and self-motivated

·       Excellent written and oral communication skills

·       Ability to travel domestically and internationally (up to ~10%) to support plant visits, operational reviews, and cross-functional collaboration